Chapter 6: Privilege and Promises

The surveillance footage didn’t matter anymore. As long as the valedictorian said he did it, the cameras could be broken or the power out. That’s always been the privilege of the popular.

On the way back, Mallory huffed, "Noah, you have to help me with my homework too!"

He stopped, reaching out to pat her head, but before he could say anything, I cut in.

"Noah, you owe me tutoring for the apology, and it has to be on my schedule."

He paused, a little surprised.

Mallory stomped anxiously. "You can’t go! You’re not allowed to help her!"

I smiled, ignoring the rest.

After leaving, I pulled out my phone and messaged Noah:

[If you’re going to take the blame for someone, just showing up isn’t enough.]

A long time passed before he replied.

[I’ll help you with your homework.]

A few seconds later, two more messages:

[I’ll only help you.]

[Don’t worry.]

The gentle chime of my phone was the only sound as I read his words, feeling a strange flutter of hope.